One Six Five

March 19, 2016

Kaleigh started Columbus College of Art & Design as a graphic design major, but quickly fell in love with metal after taking a jewelry class. Claire attended Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in Textiles & Clothing. Both born and raised in Ohio, the two met while working at a small clothing boutique in downtown Columbus. Kaleigh started to sell a few designs at the shop and Claire was obsessed with every piece!

Fast forward a year or so and they decided to quit their day jobs and start One Six Five. The numbers one, six, five are the numbers of Kaleigh’s mother’s home address, where she spends some of her happiest moments. Their first studio was in Kaleigh’s living room! They have since moved into a spacious, sun-filled studio in the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, where they create each piece completely by hand.

How did you start working together?

One Six Five has been an official business for just over two years. Before we started the line, we worked together at a small clothing boutique in Columbus. Kaleigh had recently graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design with a degree in jewelry design and I (Claire) loved all of the pieces she would make for herself. We decided to join forces and Kaleigh taught me the ropes of metalsmithing in her living room shortly after.

What jewelry are you wearing right now?

We are loving ear jackets and mismatched earrings! Mixed metal styles are also making frequent appearances in our jewelry rotation lately.

What was the first piece of jewelry you made? What’s your favorite piece of jewelry you make?

The Nicole, Pretzel, and Pretzel rings were a few of the first designs and have stuck around in the collection ever since! Our current favorite pieces are the Eclipse Ear Jacket…it’s super versatile and we love how the mirror finish catches the light.

What are your own favorite pieces of jewelry in your personal collection?

Some of our favorite pieces are made by our jewelry designer friends! Kaleigh loves her fringe necklace from Ruhling Woven and I am constantly wearing my porcupine quill and chain necklace from Honey Rose & K.

What’s inspiring you right now? Any other designers or places? What’s next for the line?

We find lots of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. For example, we might see amazing printed dress or home good and try to incorporate the pattern or shapes into a metal design. As for future collections, we will continue to design dainty, everyday jewels with a twist!